NBA stars facing the most playoff pressure? How about Kevin Durant, Ja Morant and Celtics duo?

After LeBron James lost in his first two NBA Finals appearances, pressure – internal and external – was on him to win a championship.

Michael Jordan had it. Kobe Bryant had it.

Every year at this time, there is pressure on specific players to lead their team to playoff success.

This NBA postseason is full of players who fall into that category. And not all pressure is the same, either. The pressure on Philadelphia's Joel Embiid is not the same as it is on New York’s Julius Randle. Yet, there will be similar disappointment if certain expectations aren’t met.

Here are 10 players facing the most pressure in the NBA playoffs:

Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers started the season with the second-best odds to win the Western Conference. But Paul George and Kawhi Leonard were limited, and Leonard played in just 52 games. He has played in just 104 of 236 games the past three seasons, and the Clippers have just a conference finals and conference semifinals appearance showing with Leonard on the court. The Clippers expected more when they paired Leonard and George in 2019.

Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns

Durant has his two titles and two Finals MVPs. But the Suns acquired him at the trade deadline to help the franchise win its first championship. Phoenix reached the Finals in 2021, losing to Milwaukee, and were eliminated in the second round last season by Dallas after setting a franchise record with 64 regular-season victories. Even with a roster dominated by Devin Booker, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton, more was required. Durant is that player who can take a team to the top.

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Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

Jokic is a two-time MVP and possibly headed for a third. What’s most important to Jokic now? Getting to the NBA Finals. The Nuggets reached the conference finals in the 2020 bubble, but injuries prevented the Nuggets from reaching their potential in the next seasons. Now healthy, Denver has the top seed, a competent roster and one of the best players in the world. How far can Jokic take the Nuggets under ideal conditions?

Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies

Morant’s self-inflicted difficult season is under the microscope in the playoffs. He was suspended for showing a gun on a social media post at a Colorado strip club and his maturity is under question. Morant has been really good in 14 playoff games over the past two seasons, and with the No. 2 seed in the West and a roster capable of a deep playoff run, expectations are high with Morant running the show. This is a considerable test for Morant and Memphis.

Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers are LeBron James’ team. He’s the face of the franchise and unofficial spokesman. But the Lakers’ success hinges on Davis and his ability to score, rebound and defend, especially in Los Angeles’ first-round series against Memphis and defensive player of the year candidate Jaren Jackson Jr. In 21 games after the All-Star break, Davis averaged 25.8 points, 12.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks and shot 56.6% from the field. If he can deliver like that, the Lakers are in strong shape.

Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks

There’s not really a lot of pressure on a seventh seed. The Hawks, like the Los Angeles Lakers, are a different kind of No. 7. With Quin Snyder, Atlanta is on its third coach in as many seasons – from Lloyd Pierce to Nate McMillan to Snyder. After reaching the conference finals in 2021, the Hawks have regressed and also have new front-office leadership. Even Young has regressed a bit at least with his scoring and shooting stats. The Hawks’ future isn’t dependent on Young’s performance, but it could help shape it.

Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers

By the time the Finals get here, the 2022-23 MVP will have been announced. Will Philadelphia star center Embiid be playing in the Finals? In the past five seasons, the Sixers have failed to get out of the second round. If Embiid wants to be regarded in an elevated light, he needs to carry this team beyond the second round. His playoff stats in 44 games are decent but require more efficiency, especially his shooting percentages – 19.8 points per game, 42.6% from the field and 25% on 3-pointers in last season’s conference semifinals.

Julius Randle, New York Knicks

Randle has blossomed into a star in New York and had one of his best seasons in 2022-23, averaging a career-high 25.1 points. The Knicks had 47 wins, the most since 2012-13. This is New York’s second playoff appearance in three years, and the Knicks are looking for their first playoff series win since 2013. Randle has more help this season, with the addition of Jalen Brunson. Randle’s scoring, rebounding and playmaking are key to the Knicks’ goal of advancing.

Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

Since Brown and Tatum teamed up for the first time in 2017-18 as second-year and rookie players, respectively, the Celtics have reached the playoffs every season, including three conference finals and an NBA Finals appearance. At 26 and 25 years old, Brown and Tatum are All-Stars and both may make All-NBA teams this season. But they’re hungry for a championship after getting close last season, losing to Golden State in the Finals. In today’s NBA, there’s no guarantee this pairing stays together for the next four, five seasons. Now is the time.

Follow NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt on Twitter @JeffZillgitt

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA playoff pressure on stars Kevin Durant, Ja Morant, Anthony Davis